Flat Rock park could cost $1.6 million to develop

By Mark SchulmanTimes-News Staff Writer

Published: Monday, February 4, 2013 at 12:01 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, February 4, 2013 at 12:01 p.m.

FLAT ROCK — Development of a municipal park at Highland Lake Golf Club would cost about $1.6 million, excluding the purchase price, the Flat Rock Park Exploratory Committee told village council Monday.

Members of the 10-person committee, speaking in a packed village hall, said those costs would include construction of a variety of amenities and should be paid for in phases. Their final report included operational and maintenance costs, traffic and parking issues, a new entrance, hours of operation, security and other areas, including possible grant funding.

The meeting was held to share the committee's findings, and council members made no decisions on the costs or recommendations.

The property is important to Flat Rock, Mayor Bob Staton said, as it is "a major entrance to the village. It is the first thing you see coming from Spartanburg Highway or (Interstate 26). We would like to see it continue to be open space."

The committee was formed in October and asked to explore the best use for the 67-acre property currently owned by Course Doctors Inc. The golf course is for sale for $1.3 million. In 2011, Henderson County announced a plan to buy the property for $1.1 million, but the county backed out after citizens opposed plans to turn the golf course into a soccer complex.

Through the exploratory process, the committee surveyed Flat Rock residents and asked them what they would like to have at the park.

"The committee recommends the village purchase the property and create a park with the amenities based on public input contained in this report," said Ginger Brown, committee chairperson.

Brown said 69 percent of the 332 Flat Rock residents surveyed support the conception of a municipal park at the golf club.

"The park should be passive and low impact to minimize cost of creation and the intrusion of activity to surrounding residents," Brown said.

The committee said the park will have minimal impact on adjacent neighborhoods, and the property would be suitable for adding features in the future.

"The (development) price reflects high-quality features and amenities," said committee member Ed Lastein. "There are a lot of options to cut costs."

Development costs were broken down into several categories, including roads and new parking, $434,000; landscaping, $156,000; and miscellaneous items including bridges, drinking fountains, picnic areas and more at a cost of $285,000, among others.

Maintenance and upkeep would cost $155,065 annually, according to the committee. It also provided an option that the village hire a security firm for the site, which would cost $65,262 a year.

Administrative and oversight issues were also discussed at Monday's meeting. The park would have a gate and be open from dawn to dusk, or have summer and winter hours.

Committee members recommended several options for how the village could run the park, including contracting with Henderson County to maintain the site, after negotiating a price; hiring a private contractor that would cost $155,065; hiring a part-time park manager with a $27,000 to $30,000 salary, in addition to the maintenance cost; or hiring a full-time park manager who would handle some of the maintenance, therefore reducing the overall maintenance cost projection, for a total of $153,038 annually for the manager and maintenance.

The council could also combine some of the options.

The committee reported that there's at least $1,350,000 in government grant options and the village council has already applied for a $475,000 N.C. Parks and Recreation grant. A nonprofit Flat Rock Recreational Foundation fund would also be created to raise $600,000 in eight years, and an additional $300,000 over the following five years. Donations, gifts and naming opportunities would also be a source of financing.

The committee advised the village to establish a park management committee to oversee the property if council chooses to buy the golf course and create a park.

That committee would "ensure conceptual continuity in the park in both the future development and day-to-day practice," Brown said.

<p>FLAT ROCK — Development of a municipal park at Highland Lake Golf Club would cost about $1.6 million, excluding the purchase price, the Flat Rock Park Exploratory Committee told village council Monday. </p><p>Members of the 10-person committee, speaking in a packed village hall, said those costs would include construction of a variety of amenities and should be paid for in phases. Their final report included operational and maintenance costs, traffic and parking issues, a new entrance, hours of operation, security and other areas, including possible grant funding.</p><p>The meeting was held to share the committee's findings, and council members made no decisions on the costs or recommendations.</p><p>The property is important to Flat Rock, Mayor Bob Staton said, as it is "a major entrance to the village. It is the first thing you see coming from Spartanburg Highway or (Interstate 26). We would like to see it continue to be open space."</p><p>The committee was formed in October and asked to explore the best use for the 67-acre property currently owned by Course Doctors Inc. The golf course is for sale for $1.3 million. In 2011, Henderson County announced a plan to buy the property for $1.1 million, but the county backed out after citizens opposed plans to turn the golf course into a soccer complex.</p><p>Through the exploratory process, the committee surveyed Flat Rock residents and asked them what they would like to have at the park.</p><p>"The committee recommends the village purchase the property and create a park with the amenities based on public input contained in this report," said Ginger Brown, committee chairperson. </p><p>Amenities include walking trails, open spaces, picnic areas, bike trails, a playground, fitness stations and pavilions and gazebos.</p><p>Brown said 69 percent of the 332 Flat Rock residents surveyed support the conception of a municipal park at the golf club.</p><p>"The park should be passive and low impact to minimize cost of creation and the intrusion of activity to surrounding residents," Brown said.</p><p>The committee said the park will have minimal impact on adjacent neighborhoods, and the property would be suitable for adding features in the future. </p><p>"The (development) price reflects high-quality features and amenities," said committee member Ed Lastein. "There are a lot of options to cut costs."</p><p>Development costs were broken down into several categories, including roads and new parking, $434,000; landscaping, $156,000; and miscellaneous items including bridges, drinking fountains, picnic areas and more at a cost of $285,000, among others.</p><p>Maintenance and upkeep would cost $155,065 annually, according to the committee. It also provided an option that the village hire a security firm for the site, which would cost $65,262 a year.</p><p>Administrative and oversight issues were also discussed at Monday's meeting. The park would have a gate and be open from dawn to dusk, or have summer and winter hours. </p><p>Committee members recommended several options for how the village could run the park, including contracting with Henderson County to maintain the site, after negotiating a price; hiring a private contractor that would cost $155,065; hiring a part-time park manager with a $27,000 to $30,000 salary, in addition to the maintenance cost; or hiring a full-time park manager who would handle some of the maintenance, therefore reducing the overall maintenance cost projection, for a total of $153,038 annually for the manager and maintenance. </p><p>The council could also combine some of the options. </p><p>The committee reported that there's at least $1,350,000 in government grant options and the village council has already applied for a $475,000 N.C. Parks and Recreation grant. A nonprofit Flat Rock Recreational Foundation fund would also be created to raise $600,000 in eight years, and an additional $300,000 over the following five years. Donations, gifts and naming opportunities would also be a source of financing.</p><p>The committee advised the village to establish a park management committee to oversee the property if council chooses to buy the golf course and create a park.</p><p>That committee would "ensure conceptual continuity in the park in both the future development and day-to-day practice," Brown said.</p><p>Reach Schulman at 828-694-7890 or mark.schulman@blueridgenow.com.</p>